Habitat/ecology: "Pan cimarrón grows in a wide variety of soil types at middle elevations up to 2,150
m in Mexico (Secretaría de Madio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales 2002). In Puerto
Rico, it grows in subtropical dry forest along streams (750 to 1000 mm/year
precipitation), in subtropical moist forest (1000 to 2000 mm/year
precipitation), and in subtropical wet forests (2000 to 3000 mm/year
precipitation). In Nicaragua, the species grows even in the cloud forests
(Stevens and others 2001). In Puerto Rico, pan cimarrón is most common along
streams, road cuts, and landslides. The species also grows widely scattered in
brush lands, which develop from abandoned fields and pastures, and in secondary
forest. Pan cimarrón is intolerant of shade. It competes vigorously with herbs
and brush after establishment (Wildland
shrubs of the United States and its territories).

This evergreen shrub to small tree forms dense stands in dry habitats. It
grows at elevations between 300-1,000 m in dry habitats (Smith, 1985; p. 186).

"Because bocconia is able to flourish in a broad range of environmental conditions and along a large elevational gradient within its home range it appears to have the potential to invade native and non-native habitats in dry and mesic environments in Hawaii. Given its potential to reach tree-sized stature and its ability to form thick stands, bocconia is expected to be a serious competitor with native or other desirable species. In the Wood Valley area of Hawaii, bocconia quickly spread from one landscape planting near to occupy in excess of 3,500 acres of abandoned cane land. This recent population explosion coincides with the demise of active cane farming in the area that allowed bocconia to reach maturity and rapidly increase its range. Bocconia is now considered a major weed in small agricultural lots in the area. On Maui, bocconia has been observed at 5800' elevation. Art Medeiros (U.S. Geological Survey) considers bocconia to be one of the most threatening weeds in the Kanaio Natural Area Reserve" (Motooka et al., 2003).

Propagation: "Bocconia produces large numbers of seed with a red fleshy aril at the base that attracts birds, which disperse seed over long distances." (Motooka et al., 2002)

Native range: Central America and the West Indies; also cultivated and naturalized (GRIN).

Physical: "Medeiros recommended a strategy of removal of all
flowering trees with periodic follow-up to remove new seedlings emerging from
the soil seed bank" (Motooka et al., 2003).

Chemical: "Good control with 2,4-D and fair control with triclopyr applied basal bark. Very little other work on bocconia management. Aerial spot spraying with the "spray ball" applicator would be an effective way to kill emerging trees in pastures and abandoned
sugarcane land. Trials are needed to determine an effective herbicide and rate for this method" (Motooka et al., 2003).

Francis, John K., ed. 2009. Wildland Shrubs of the United States and its Territories: Thamnic Descriptions General Technical Report IITF-WB-1 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry and Shrub Sciences Laboratory (online resource).